Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) Manager Environmental Implementation Libby Caldwell says the Adopt a Drain initiative helps communities understand the link between everyday activities and the health of local waterways.

“People don’t always realise that whatever goes into a stormwater drain flows directly into our rivers, lakes and streams without being treated,” says Ms Caldwell.

“Adopt a Drain helps make that connection clear and gives communities practical ways to look after the places they care about — because if we all take responsibility for the drains in our neighbourhoods, we can make a real difference to the health of our waterways.”

The programme, which is underway across Otago, includes both a school-based education component and a community initiative encouraging schools, community groups, neighbourhoods, and households to “adopt” a nearby stormwater drain.

Ms Caldwell says the community programme includes a 30-minute workshop to learn what stormwater is, how to safely care for local drains, and simple actions people can take to prevent stormwater pollution.
 
“At the end of the workshop, an ORC metal fish is installed on the adopted drain as a visible reminder that they are only meant to drain rain. Then, the household or group take on the role of looking after it – helping to keep it clear and applying what they've learned in the workshop to their everyday actions. These small changes help protect the health of Otago’s rivers, lakes, wetlands, and the sea,” says Ms Caldwell.

The ORC website also hosts an interactive map of stormwater drains across Otago, where adopted drains are marked with a fish icon.

Quinton Penniall, Central Otago District Council Group Manager – Infrastructure, Planning and Regulatory, says stormwater drains are a vital but often overlooked part of the town’s infrastructure.

“Stormwater networks are designed to move rainwater away from our streets and properties quickly, but they’re not designed to filter out pollution.  When rubbish, oils, or chemicals enter a drain, they can end up directly in our local waterways.

Initiatives like Adopt a Drain help people understand how the system works and how simple actions, like keeping drains clear of debris and being mindful of what goes down them, can make a real difference. It’s great to see local groups like the Cromwell Scouts getting involved and helping look after the environment.”
The Cromwell Scout Group Cubs recently took part in a three-session learning programme, exploring how stormwater travels through their town, discovering plants and animals living in local waterways, and discussing actions they could take to reduce pollution.

Kaiārahi (Cubs leader) Jane Powe says, “The sessions were a great way to engage our Cubs and learn “Rain only for our drains!" and how storm water pollution can affect Lake Dunstan, a place they all love to swim, boat, and fish in.  Having our own drain to now look after on Ortive Street (outside the Scout Den) will reinforce this message for years to come. We wish to thank ORC and Jaylene for the educational and practical sessions for our tamariki. They can share this knowledge with their whānau and community to help keep Lake Dunstan healthy.”

To adopt a drain or learn more contact the Catchment Advisor team at catchments@orc.govt.nz  or visit orc.govt.nz/adoptadrain   

Why stormwater matters

Stormwater isn’t pure rainwater. As it flows over the ground and paved areas towards a drain, it picks up pollutants. Whatever goes down a storm drain, whether poured in intentionally or washed down with rainwater, enters our waterways untreated. Understanding how stormwater networks function and how to stop pollutants such as car oil, soap suds, solvents, fertilisers and other pollutants and litter from entering a storm drain is important for everyone. Find out more at only drain rain.  

Background  

In Wānaka, local organisations the Touchstone Project and WAI Wānaka have been at the forefront of stormwater education in their community, with WAI Wānaka launching their Adopt a Drain initiative in 2022. The programme encourages urban residents, schools, and businesses of Wānaka, Hāwea and Luggate to take responsibility for their local storm drains. Learn more about WAI Wānaka’s Adopt a Drain programme here.   
 
In 2024, Otago Regional Council’s Catchment Advisor team met with WAI Wānaka to explore how the concept could be adapted and expanded across Otago. While inspired by the work happening in Wānaka, the ORC Adopt a Drain programme has now evolved into its own version – tailored to suit a range of local communities and designed to grow across the region.